Ever had an idea for a gadget but not the faintest idea how to get started? The good news is it may be easier to build than you think.
Building a prototype electronic device has never been cheaper or simpler thanks to open source standardised hardware platforms like Arduino and, to a lesser extent, bare bones computers like the Raspberry Pi.
Microsoft is hoping its .NET Gadgeteer platform, which started as a way for its researchers to develop prototype devices, will be adopted by hobbyist electronics makers looking for an easy way to craft new gadgets.